GREENVILLE — The Yellow Jacket Challenge for 2013 has officially been endorsed by the Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.

Runners who participate in the race, and are at least 18 years old, are eligible to register for the 2013 lottery for a chance to be selected to run across the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day.

Only 400 participants will be selected by invitation.

“It is an honor to have the endorsement of the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports,” said Penny Dora, race director for Yellow Jacket Challenge. “By having this seal of approval, the community can be assured this event meets the criteria of physical fitness standards, promotes physical activity, health and wellness, and provides for the safety of its participants as expected by the Governor’s Council.”

The Greenville Public School’s Wellness Team hosts the 5K run, 1-mile walk and Young Yellow Jacket Fun Run at the high school in with the goal to challenge and change lifestyles of students, staff and the community.

The Governor’s Council endorses local, regional and state events in an effort to acknowledge an organization’s ability to plan and carry out a quality event that significantly contributes to the health and well being of Michigan residents, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“The Yellow Jacket Challenge exemplifies this core value and has been officially endorsed by the Governor’s Council for the six years of its existence,” the press release stated. “In order to become a Governor’s Council ‘endorsed’ event, an organization must annually complete an application form for review. The criterion that is taken into consideration includes providing a positive and safe physical activity using qualified officials and benefiting a nonprofit or charitable organization.”

Dora said it is important to seek the endorsement because it is the only way an interested runner can quality for the lottery drawing to participate in the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run.

People can register for the Yellow Jacket Challenge through April 15 by going to www.yellowjacketchallenge.com.

“It is a point of pride for the Yellow Jacket Challenge to be considered among events that have earned this rating,” Dora said.

There were tents, grills, food, music and more. That was just before the game. Fans from both Greenville and Belding arrived early and were ready for the annual rivalry between the two longtime rivals, with the buzz as big as a college football game.

Three and a half years ago Belding resident Denny Craycraft dreamed of building a single wall with a list of names to celebrate local veterans who fought in World War II. The project would cost approximately $9,000. Standing in front of members of Belding City Council Tuesday night at the Pere Marquette Depot, Craycraft updated the council on the project being built outside the building just feet from where he was standing. Craycraft described the project as “a real roller coaster,” and that makes sense because that $9,000 Freedom Wall has since turned into the development of a much larger Veterans Memorial with bids now reaching $75,000 in total costs.